Poems of War: 'On Being Asked for a War Poem' by William Butler Yeats (1928)

Poetry

On Being Asked for a War Poem

William Butler Yeats (1928)

I think it better that in times like these A poet’s mouth be silent, for in truth We have no gift to set a statesman right; He has had enough of meddling who can please A young girl in the indolence of her youth, Or an old man upon a winter’s night.


Next page > from “Remembering That Island” by Thomas McGrath... Poems of War collection > table of contents Back to the index > Poems by William Butler Yeats Profile of the author > Irish poet/playwright W.B. Yeats

Guides since 1997